Kyiv — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told citizens on Friday that the country may soon face a defining decision over whether to defend its sovereign rights or preserve critical American support, as Washington circulates a controversial peace proposal widely viewed as advantageous to Moscow.
The plan — which Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed — includes several long-standing Kremlin demands: Ukraine would cede territory, scale back its military, and abandon its path toward NATO. Kyiv has repeatedly rejected such concessions.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine Under “One of the Hardest” Pressures
In a national address, Zelenskyy stopped short of rejecting the U.S. proposal but emphasized that Ukraine expected “fair treatment” as talks unfold. Calling the moment “truly one of the most difficult in our history,” he said he recently held an hour-long conversation with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll about the draft terms.
“Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” Zelenskyy warned.
He also urged unity at home, alluding to a major corruption scandal that has drawn public ire, and said next week’s negotiations “will be very difficult.”
Putin Praises U.S. Plan, Accuses Kyiv of Unrealistic Goals
Speaking to Russia’s National Security Council, Putin described the U.S. proposal as a “modernized” version of ideas discussed before his Alaska summit with former President Donald Trump. He said it “could form the basis of a final peace settlement,” though he complained Russia was not consulted meaningfully.
“Ukraine is against it,” he said, accusing Kyiv and its European allies of clinging to “illusions” of defeating Russia militarily.
Trump Presses Zelenskyy for Decision Within a Week
Trump, addressing reporters and speaking earlier on a radio interview, said Zelenskyy must respond to the 28-point plan by Thursday, though he suggested the deadline might be extended.
“If he doesn’t, they should just keep fighting, I guess,” Trump said, referencing what he characterized as a tense Oval Office exchange earlier this year. He added: “I said you don’t have the cards.”
According to U.S. officials, the plan was drafted after special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Rustem Umerov, an adviser to Zelenskyy. One senior Trump administration official claimed Umerov accepted most of the terms — an account Umerov later denied, saying he only arranged meetings and that technical talks continue.
Europe Scrambles, Reaffirms Support for Kyiv
Zelenskyy also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, all of whom pledged unwavering backing for Ukraine and expressed support for U.S. peace efforts, despite concerns about the substance of the American proposal.
They emphasized that any agreement must reflect current front lines and preserve Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Starmer reiterated that Ukraine alone has the right to determine its sovereign future.
European diplomats said they had not been officially informed of the U.S. plan. “Russia’s war against Ukraine is an existential threat to Europe,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “How it ends matters.”
A senior European official, speaking anonymously, called the U.S. proposals “quite concerning,” warning that a poorly structured deal could endanger Europe’s wider security.
Skepticism in Washington
In the U.S. Senate, both Republicans and Democrats voiced alarm. Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he was “highly sceptical” the proposal would secure peace and insisted Ukraine must not be forced to surrender land.
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons described the plan as resembling a “Russian wish list.”
Ukraine Reviews the Terms
Ukrainian officials said they were still examining the proposals. Zelenskyy is expected to speak directly with Trump soon.
Defense adviser Umerov said Kyiv is “thoughtfully processing the partners’ proposals” but stressed that Ukraine’s core principles — sovereignty, civilian safety and a just peace — remain unchanged.
As pressure intensifies from Washington and Moscow, Zelenskyy signaled Ukraine is preparing for a challenging diplomatic test, one that may determine not just the course of the war but Ukraine’s long-term future.
